Make the Target Pay

harpischord hip hop, symphonic city pop, sitar cape verdean · 3:49

Listen on 93

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They walk in with a plan that's sly and clean
Borrow sixty to ninety percent of what they need
But here's the twist that makes it all obscene
They load that debt on you, now you're gonna bleed
Your own cash flow pays for your own sale
While they sit back and never face the bail

[Chorus]
LBO, make the target pay
Sale-leaseback takes your building away
Roll-up small deals, regulators can't see
Dividend recap, more debt for free
Then they flip you to the next PE
This is what they know that we don't see

[Verse 2]
Fragmented markets are their hunting ground
Vet clinics, dental, funeral, daycare too
They buy one shop, then sweep the whole town
Each deal's too small for review to come through
Below the threshold where watchdogs can shine
Stay under radar and the field is mine

[Chorus]
LBO, make the target pay
Sale-leaseback takes your building away
Roll-up small deals, regulators can't see
Dividend recap, more debt for free
Then they flip you to the next PE
This is what they know that we don't see

[Bridge]
First they take your building, make you pay the rent
Then they load more debt for dividends they collect
Three to seven years and then you're getting sent
To another private equity architect

[Verse 3]
Secondary buyouts keep the cycle turning
Each new owner repeats the same old game
While your company keeps crashing and burning
They're counting profits, you're taking the blame
The flip, the strip, the leverage, and the load
Welcome to their money-making code

[Final Chorus]
LBO, make the target pay
Sale-leaseback takes your building away
Roll-up small deals flying under the radar
Dividend recap leaves another scar
Then they flip you down the PE road
Now you've cracked their secret code

[Outro]
What they know that you don't yet
Is how to win without the sweat
Load the debt and take the cash
While your business turns to ash

← Behind the Glossy Corporate Stage | The Playbook They Hide →